“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tell us about Every Mother Counts:

What is your personal “why” behind EMC?

I believe that every mother should have the right to access the people with skills and supplies that would insure that she survive childbirth, just as I had when I became a mother.

What project | goal are you working on with EMC now?

For the first time in five years, we have an actual plan and strategy so we are very focused on achieving the goals we set for ourselves to impact more lives and inspire more people to be a part of the solution to a very solvable problem while doing so.

How can we support you and your work?

The most important thing is sharing the fact that nearly 300,000 women and girls die every year from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications but more than 98% of these deaths are preventable. There are many ways to contribute to this cause but at EMC we are focused on raising awareness and funds to improve maternal health to reduce preventable maternal deaths. You can share your birth story on our community page at Everymothercounts.org to make vital connections with other women going through this universal experience alone, run a race with us to educate others about the barrier that distance can be for millions of girls and women in need of basic and emergency obstetric care, choose to purchase products that benefit programs that improve timely access to maternal healthcare, host a screening event with one of our films and find creative ways to engage as a group.

Let’s talk about motherhood:

What two words best describe you as a mother?

Whole-hearted.

What do you love best about motherhood?

That it unites women and has such potential to positively impact the lives of others.

What do you find most challenging about motherhood?

You can’t turn it off. Once a mother, always a mother.

As a mother, what is your greatest fear?

Falling short of my potential.

What has been your greatest lesson from motherhood?

You can’t thrive without the love and support of others.

What two words best describe your mother?

Adventurous. Enthusiastic.

Finish this sentence: What I remember most about my mother is…

she was always learning new things, visiting new places and friendship was everything to her. (could also be present tense)

What story (characteristics, patterns, beliefs, emotional inheritance) did you inherit from your mother?

I inherited my mother’s love of travel and culture. We are both seekers and passionate about social justice and equity. She was born in a developing country with a long history of war and oppression and I carry that with me in my fight for equity for all mothers.

What story do you hope to pass down to your children?

Hope that my story is a basis from which to build their own. I can’t wait to see their stories unfold.

Thank you for the inspiration. xo, muse.

About Muse

Muse is a source of inspiration, a heartbeat, a movement, a call to action, a question, an answer, support, celebration, nourishment, a standing ovation, a sense of wonder, a platform, an invitation, a conversation, a voice…your voice, our collective voice.